PUTRAJAYA (Oct 10): The Malaysian Government is committed to a "responsible and well-informed decision" on the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation.

The Government has tasked Malaysia Nuclear Power Corp (MNPC) to facilitate the implementation of the country's nuclear energy development programme.

MNPC chief executive Dr Mohd Zamzam Jaafar said the Government had, however, yet to decide on the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation.

"The Government has not decided on the future use of nuclear energy for electricity generation but we are committed to facilitating a responsible and well-informed decision on nuclear energy by the Government," Mohd Zamzam said.

He was speaking to reporters here today during the Government's Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission meeting.

The meeting between today and next Monday (Oct 10 to 17) aims to evaluate Malaysia's progress in nuclear power planning.

MNPC has been tasked to implement the nation's nuclear energy development programme beginning with the country's first nuclear power plant.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Nancy Shukri said it is important that the Government and public are aware of the nation's state of preparedness for nuclear energy development before making a decision.

"The review by this INIR Mission of our national state of preparedness is a basis for a more objective consideration of nuclear energy, based on verified facts and independent assessment," Nancy said.